The Role of Trans Oral Robotic Surgery in the Carcinoma of Unknown Primary: A New Evidence in the Horizon?

The detection of the primary site in Carcinoma of Unknown Primary (CUP) is a challenging task which can significantly alter the course of management and also prognosis. Various modalities have been assessed with varying sensitivity and specificity. Imaging and cytological diagnosis have formed a key part of the diagnostic algorithm of CUP. Trans Oral Robotic Surgery offers the advantage of being both diagnostic as well as therapeutic with promising sensitivity and specificity and can form an integral part in the management of CUP. A prospective study was carried out at a tertiary care centre over a period of one year. Patients with unilateral neck swelling which was histopathologically proven squamous cell carcinoma neck metastasis were included in the study. They were evaluated with endoscopy and radiology according to the standard algorithm. When these failed to detect the primary, the patients underwent ipsilateral radical tonsillectomy and tongue base mucosal wedge biopsy via TORS. Post-operative histopathological examination was done on the resected specimens to detect the primary site. Transoral Robotic Surgery was able to localise primary in 50% of the patients enrolled in the study. Out of the primary site identified by TORS; 55.56% were located in the tonsil and 44.4% in the tongue base. TORS can offer promising detection rates of the occult primary in CUP and should form an integral part of the diagnostic algorithm.

Mucormycosis: Cytomorphological Spectrum in Fine-Needle Aspiration Cytology.

Background: Mucormycosis is a fungal infection that can affect multiple organs. The role of fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) in its diagnosis is not well documented. Aim: The objective of this study was to describe the detailed cytomorphologic features of mucormycosis on FNAC samples. Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis of all cases diagnosed as mucormycosis on FNAC between January 2014 and July 2021 was performed for detailed cytomorphological evaluation and correlation to clinical data and microbiological studies wherever available. FNA was computed tomography-guided (n = 38), ultrasonography-guided (n = 31) or palpation-guided (n = 12), and slides were reviewed in two cases. Results: A total of 83 cases of mucormycosis were evaluated. An immunocompromised setting was observed in 48 cases. The most common site of FNA was the lung (n = 57) followed by liver, soft tissue, palate, mediastinum, orbital/ocular region, and lymph node. Isolated renal involvement, a unique feature, was seen in seven cases. The aspirates were necrotic to pus-like or blood-mixed particulate. Broad, nonseptate, foldable, ribbon-like fungal hyphae showing right-angled branching were seen. The tissue reaction was predominantly necro-inflammatory (n = 36), bland necrotic (n = 22), mixed inflammatory (n = 16), suppurative (n = 5), necrotizing granulomatous (n = 3), and granulomatous (n = 1). Immunocompromised patients showed mixed inflammatory responses more frequently. Fungal culture was positive for Rhizopus species in 2/13 cases and molecular testing in two additional cases corresponding to Rhizopus and Syncephalastrum spp. Conclusion: FNA provides quick and conclusive diagnosis of mucormycosis from varied anatomic sites enabling prompt institution of therapy. The tissue response is variable and to some extent dependent on the immune status of the patient.

Cytomorphologic and immunocytochemical characterization of pediatric pleuropulmonary blastoma with a comprehensive review of the literature.

INTRODUCTION: Pleuropulmonary blastoma (PPB) is a rare, aggressive, primary intrathoracic malignancy typically seen in infancy and early childhood. Accurate distinction from congenital cystic lung lesions is crucial due to significant prognostic and therapeutic differences. Cytologic features have rarely been described. Establishing a cytodiagnosis is challenging owing to its rarity, lack of awareness, and multiple morphologic mimics. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a retrospective study conducted over 8 years. The histopathology and cytopathology databases were searched for all pediatric PPB cases. The corresponding cytologic samples were reviewed to identify characteristic features that can help distinguish PPB from its mimics. RESULTS: There was a total of six cases of pediatric PPB reported during the study period. Of these, four (66.7%) presented as intrathoracic, and two (33.3%) as pleural-based masses. Cytology smears showed discretely scattered and perivascular arrangements of round-oval tumor cells with background eosinophilic stromal material. The tumor cells were mildly pleomorphic (n = 3) with round nuclei, fine chromatin, inconspicuous nucleoli, and scanty cytoplasm; however, three cases showed marked anaplasia, and one each showed necrosis and rhabdoid differentiation. On immunocytochemistry (4/6), these were positive for vimentin and desmin and negative for WT1, chromogranin, SALL4, cytokeratin, CD45, and CD99. FISH (1/6) did not show N-Myc amplification. CONCLUSIONS: Knowledge of the characteristic cytomorphological and immunocytochemical features of PPB is vital to establish a prompt and accurate cytodiagnosis with appropriate clinicoradiologic correlation.

The WHO system versus the Papanicolaou society of cytopathology system for reporting pancreaticobiliary cytology for risk stratification-which is better?

BACKGROUND: Recently, the World Health Organization (WHO) has proposed a reporting system for pancreaticobiliary cytopathology. We applied this classification for pancreatic lesion samples by fine needle aspiration (FNA) and compared the results to the previous classification of the Papanicolaou Society of Cytopathology (PSC) system for risk stratification. METHODS: The computerized database was searched for all pancreatic endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) and transabdominal ultrasound-guided FNA (TUS-FNA) samples from 2016 to 2020 and cases were reassigned as per the PSC and the WHO diagnostic categories. Cases with follow-up, clinicoradiological, and/or histopathology were included in the study. The risk of malignancy (ROM) was calculated across all diagnostic categories based on clinical data, imaging data, and histopathology wherever available. RESULTS: There were a total of 625 pancreatic FNA. In 230 cases, follow-up information was available which included 116 EUS and 114 TUS-FNA samples. The ROM for PSC categories I-VI was 40%, 19.7%, 28.6%, 57.1%, 94.7%, and 97.9% and for the WHO categories (I-VII), it was 60%, 21.3%, and 35.7%, not representative, not applicable, 94.7% and 94.9%. The overall sensitivity and specificity of PSC was 68.2% and 96.2% when categories V and VI were taken as positive and 78.9% and 93.3% for WHO when categories VI and VII were taken as positive. CONCLUSIONS: Pancreatic FNA samples reported as per the WHO system showed better sensitivity as compared to the PSC system resulting in better risk stratification and consequently better patient management. The overall high specificity and moderate sensitivity reaffirm the utility of FNA in pancreatic lesions.

Clinical and Radiological Parameters to Discriminate Tuberculous Peritonitis and Peritoneal Carcinomatosis.

It is challenging to differentiate between tuberculous peritonitis and peritoneal carcinomatosis due to their insidious nature and intersecting symptoms. Computed tomography (CT) is the modality of choice in evaluating diffuse peritoneal disease. We conducted an ambispective analysis of patients suspected as having tuberculous peritonitis or peritoneal tuberculosis between Jan 2020 to Dec 2021. The study aimed to identify the clinical and radiological features differentiating the two entities. We included 44 cases of tuberculous peritonitis and 45 cases of peritoneal carcinomatosis, with a median age of 31.5 (23.5-40) and 52 (46-61) years, respectively (p ≤ 0.001). Fever, past history of tuberculosis, and loss of weight were significantly associated with tuberculous peritonitis (p ≤ 0.001, p = 0.038 and p = 0.001). Pain in the abdomen and history of malignancy were significantly associated with peritoneal carcinomatosis (p = 0.038 and p ≤ 0.001). Ascites was the most common radiological finding. Loculated ascites, splenomegaly and conglomeration of lymph nodes predicted tuberculous peritonitis significantly (p ≤ 0.001, p = 0.010, p = 0.038). Focal liver lesion(s) and nodular omental involvement were significantly associated with peritoneal carcinomatosis (p = 0.011, p = 0.029). The use of clinical features in conjunction with radiological findings provide better diagnostic yields because of overlapping imaging findings.

Childhood pilomatrixoma mimicking malignant small round blue cell tumor with positivity for CD99: Potential pitfall in cytology.

Pilomatrixoma is a relatively rare benign skin appendageal tumor, often presenting in the pediatric age group as a nodular lesion and most commonly involving the head and neck, making it amenable to primary fine needle aspiration (FNA) diagnosis. We report the clinical and histopathological findings of two cases of pilomatrixoma in children, both of which were initially misdiagnosed as small round blue cell tumors due to high cellularity and misinterpretation of the proliferating basaloid cells. Histopathology revealed basal cell proliferation and mitoses indicating that they were progressive, early lesions. The first case showed membranous positivity for CD99 which prompted a diagnosis of Ewing sarcoma. Awareness of the morphological spectrum including positivity for CD99 and careful evaluation of cell block histology could have averted the misdiagnosis. Pilomatrixoma should be included as an important differential diagnosis when faced with primitive-appearing cells on FNA, especially in children with mass lesions in the head and neck region.

Cytological spectrum of testicular malignancies with histopathological correlation: A retrospective analysis.

BACKGROUND: Testicular malignancy is the most common solid organ cancer occurring in young men. The most common testicular malignancy is germ cell tumor. Extragonadal malignancies such as lymphomas are rare. Testicular fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) in cancer is a bit controversial amidst fear of tumor seeding along the needle tract. Nevertheless, its largely safe, cost-effective technique providing a quick and fairly reliable diagnosis. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of testicular malignancies on FNAC over a period of 9 years with cyto-histological correlation wherever possible was carried out. FNAC slides and cell blocks with immunocytochemistry wherever done were retrieved. RESULTS: A total of 74 cases were obtained. The age ranged from 1 year to 65 years. Infiltration by leukemia was the most common malignancy detected in pediatric population, while germ cell tumors were common amongst young adults and middle-aged men. In elderly, metastatic carcinoma, infiltration by lymphoma were identified. On FNAC, 38 cases were of leukemic infiltration, 27 of germ cell tumors (subtyped as mixed germ cell tumors-15 cases, seminoma-11 cases, and yolk sac tumor-1 case) with two cases each of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, Leydig cell tumor, metastatic adenocarcinoma, and one case each of metastatic small cell carcinoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, and malignant neoplasm. Histological correlation was available in 15/74 cases. Only 3 cases were discordant. Seeding of tumor along the needle tract was not seen. CONCLUSION: The current study deciphers the cytological spectrum of testicular malignancies on FNAC and highlights its importance as a reliable modality for a prompt diagnosis of testicular tumors guiding patient management.

Preoperative Predictors for the Presence of Motile Spermatozoa in the Epididymis and Patency of Anastomosis during Microsurgical Vasoepididymal Anastomosis in Patients with Obstructive Azoospermia.

Background: Following microsurgical vaso-epididymal anastomosis (VEA), anastomotic patency with sperm returning to the ejaculate is not always present and may even be delayed. The presence of motile spermatozoa is highly suggestive of future patency following surgery. Aims: We prospectively analyse the factors that could predict motile spermatozoa at the epididymis intraoperatively and predictors of patency in patients with obstructive azoospermia (OA) undergoing microsurgical VEA. Settings and Design: Department of Urology of a tertiary care centre in Northern India. It is a prospective observational study. Materials and Methods: Over a 2-year period (July 2019 to June 2021), 26 patients with idiopathic OA were enrolled in the study. Twenty patients underwent microsurgical VEA. Patients were divided into two groups based on the presence/absence of intraoperative motile spermatozoa. Statistical Analysis Used: Analysis of preoperative and intraoperative factors was done using the Mann-Whitney U-test, Chi-squared test and Fischer exact test. Results: Out of 20 patients, 5 (group 2) had intraoperative motile spermatozoa in the epididymal fluid and 15 (group 1) had nonmotile spermatozoa. Low luteinising hormone (LH) levels (P = 0.01) and high testosterone levels (P = 0.05) were the predictive of presence of motile spermatozoa in epididymal fluid. Mean follow-up was 9 months (6-18 months). Predictors of higher patency were grade 2 epididymis (firm, turgid and tense) (P = 0.003), low LH levels (P = 0.03), low sertoli cell index (P = 0.006), high sperm-Sertoli index (P = 0.002) and better surgeon satisfaction (P = 0.01). Conclusion: Low LH levels and high testosterone levels may be predictive of the presence of motile spermatozoa in epididymal fluid. Firm, turgid and tense epididymis, low Sertoli cell index, high sperm-Sertoli index and surgeon satisfaction suggest a greater chance of success after VEA for idiopathic azoospermia.

ALK Gene Mutation and ALK Protein Expression in Advanced Neuroblastoma and the Potential Value in Risk Stratification in Fine-Needle Aspiration Biopsy Samples.

OBJECTIVES: The protein ALK is targeted for therapy in neuroblastoma, and ALK mutation confers a poor prognosis. We evaluated ALK in a cohort of patients with advanced neuroblastoma diagnosed by fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB). METHODS: Fifty-four cases of neuroblastoma were evaluated for ALK protein expression by immunocytochemistry and ALK gene mutation by next-generation sequencing. MYCN amplification by fluorescence in situ hybridization, International Neuroblastoma Risk Group (INRG) staging, and risk assignment was performed, and patients were managed accordingly. All parameters were correlated with overall survival (OS). RESULTS: ALK protein showed cytoplasmic expression in 65% cases and did not correlate with MYCN amplification (P = .35), INRG groups (P = .52), and OS (P = .2); however, ALK-positive, poorly differentiated neuroblastoma showed better prognosis (P = .02). ALK negativity was associated with poor outcome by Cox proportional hazard model (hazard ratio, 2.36). Two patients showed ALK gene F1174L mutation with 8% and 54% allele frequency and high ALK protein expression; they died of disease 1 and 17 months following diagnosis, respectively. A novel IDH1 exon 4 mutation was also detected. CONCLUSIONS: ALK expression is a promising prognostic and predictive marker in advanced neuroblastoma that can be evaluated in cell blocks from FNAB samples along with traditional prognostic parameters. ALK gene mutation confers a poor prognosis for patients with this disease.

Randomized crossover trial of 'Roll-over' technique of abdominal paracentesis versus standard technique in suspected malignant ascites.

BACKGROUND: The sensitivity of single abdominal paracentesis for diagnosis of peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC) varies from 40-70%. We hypothesized that rolling-over the patient before paracentesis might improve the cytological yield. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: This was a single center pilot study with a randomized cross-over design. We compared the cytological yield of fluid obtained by roll-over technique (ROG) with standard paracentesis (SPG) in suspected PC. In the ROG group, patients were rolled side-to-side thrice, and the paracentesis was done within 1 minute. Each patient served as their own control, and the outcome assessor (cytopathologist) was blinded. The primary objective was to compare the tumor cell positivity between SPG and ROG groups. RESULTS: Of 71 patients, 62 were analyzed. Of 53 patients with malignancy-related ascites, 39 had PC. Most of the tumor cells were adenocarcinoma (30, 94%) with one patient each having suspicious cytology and one having lymphoma. The sensitivity for diagnosis of PC was (31/39) 79.49% in SPG group and (32/39) 82.05% in ROG group (p = 1.00). The cellularity was similar between both the groups (good cellularity in 58% of SPG and 60% of ROG, p = 1.00). CONCLUSIONS: Rollover paracentesis did not improve the cytological yield of abdominal paracentesis. TRIAL REGISTRATION: CTRI/2020/06/025887 and NCT04232384.

The cytological diagnosis of Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia in bronchoalveolar lavage.

Objectives: Immunosuppressed individuals are more prone for opportunistic infections. Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia (PJP), previously known as Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP), is the most common opportunistic infection affecting people living with HIV. As PJP can cause life threatening serious infection to a patient, treatment should not be delayed for these cases. To study clinico-cytomorphological spectrum of PJP. Material and Methods: We analysed the clinical and detailed cytological features of 15 patients with PJP who were diagnosed on examination of bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid. Results: The mean age of the patients was 38.4 years (range 13 - 61 years). A total of seven patients were HIV positive; five patients were post renal transplant, and one patient was a known case of acute leukaemia on immunosuppression. Presence of foamy alveolar casts (FACs) was the distinctive feature and was noted in 14 out of 15 cases. We detected 14 out of 15 cases accurately in BAL fluid cytology. Conclusion: BAL cytology is one of the important modes of investigations which can detect PJP infection. The history of fever, cough, immunosuppression, bilateral haziness in the radiography of lung and the characteristic alveolar cast indicate the possibility of PJP infection. Cytology can provide early diagnosis and can reduce the mortality of immunocompromised patients.

MYCN amplification and International Neuroblastoma Risk Group stratification on fine-needle aspiration biopsy and their correlation to survival in neuroblastoma.

AIMS: Risk stratification as per the International Neuroblastoma Risk Group (INRG) stratification is important for management of neuroblastoma. INRG incorporates various parameters including histological category as per the International Neuroblastoma Pathology Classification (INPC) and MYCN amplification, which were evaluated in fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) samples of neuroblastoma patients to ascertain their impact in our population. METHODS: This was a retrospective study including 60 neuroblastoma cases diagnosed on FNAB, staged and stratified by INRG. Mitosis Karyorrhexis Index (MKI), INPC morphological category and MYCN status by fluorescence in situ hybridisation (n=46) were evaluated and correlated to outcome. RESULTS: The mean age was 29 months (21 days to 9 years) with 27 and 33 children

Cerebrospinal fluid infiltration by chronic myeloid leukaemia: Evaluation of cytomorphological features.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: To describe the cytomorphological findings of all cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) cytology samples showing infiltration by chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) and their correlation with haematological findings. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis of all CSF samples reported as showing infiltration by CML on cytology from January 2014 to December 2021 was performed. RESULTS: A total of 10 cases with positive CSF cytology were evaluated. The mean age of the patients was 34.1 years (range 17-70 years). There were more males than females. All cases were pre-diagnosed cases of CML on haematological investigations. On cytology, the smears showed atypical/immature blast-like cells, with a high nucleo-cytoplasmic ratio, opened-up chromatin, 1-2 conspicuous nucleoli and a scant to moderate amount of agranular to fine granular cytoplasm along with occasional granulocytic precursors. The shortest time interval for CSF positivity in a known case of CML was 5 months, and the longest interval was 11 years. CONCLUSION: It is extremely uncommon to encounter CML infiltration in CSF. Timely analysis of CSF cytology samples can allow quick diagnosis and alter the patient management protocol.

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration cytology in diagnosing intra-abdominal lesions.

Objectives: Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration cytology (EUS-FNAC) is an effective method to acquire tissue from the mucosal, submucosal, and peri-intestinal structure with the pancreas being the most common organ to be targeted. This study is aimed to evaluate the role of EUS-FNAC in pancreatic lesions as well as other gastrointestinal (GI) structures including lymph nodes, upper GI tract, liver, and spleen. Material and Methods: A total of 71 cases were taken in which EUS FNAC was performed over 19 months (2018-July 2019). The details analysis of the cytological features was performed in all these cases along with the clinical outcome. The diagnostic efficacy of the EUS-FNAC was evaluated in these cases. Results: Out of 71 cases, 36 (50.7%) were male. The most common site being the pancreas 45 (60%) followed by intra-abdominal lymph nodes in 13(17.3%) cases and stomach 7 (9.3%). The neoplastic aspirate was noted in 38 (50.7%) cases. Among malignant lesion, adenocarcinoma was the most common; however, uncommon malignancies such as metastatic malignant melanoma and acinar cell carcinoma were also noted. Malignant lesion in pancreas includes adenocarcinoma (n = 11, 24.4%) followed by neuroendocrine tumor (n = 7, 15.6%). Tuberculosis was one of the common benign lesions to be reported. Conclusion: EUS-FNAC is an effective tool in the diagnosis of GI lesion particularly in the pancreas where it can avoid unnecessary surgical intervention in advanced malignancies. It can effectively obtain samples for molecular markers for pancreatic cancers. Nonetheless, diagnosing tuberculosis in inaccessible lymph nodes with its help is a lifesaving approach especially in developing countries.

Neither Russell nor Magenta bodies: A cytological dilemma in breast fine needle aspiration cytology.

Neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs) are a rare heterogeneous group of breast epithelial tumours showing predominant NE differentiation. NENs of the breast account for less than 1% of all NENs. The index case calls for recognition of these tumours using morphology adjunct with ancillary techniques such as immunohistochemistry on FNA cell blocks.

Identifying the primary site of malignancy in carcinomatous serous effusions using immunocytochemistry.

INTRODUCTION: Malignant effusions are commonly encountered in day-to-day cytology practice. Determining the primary site of malignancy in carcinomatous effusions is a Herculean task. Cytology coupled with immunocytochemistry (ICC) is often found to be helpful in this context. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was conducted to evaluate the diagnostic utility of ICC on sections from cell blocks (CBs) in the detection of the primary site of origin in cases of metastatic carcinomatous effusions. To determine the origin of the primary tumour, TTF1 (lung), PAX-8 (ovary), CDX2 (colorectal), GATA3 (breast), and CK19 (pancreaticobiliary) were employed, depending on the clinical and radiological findings, and serum tumour markers. RESULTS: A total of 13,459 serous effusion samples were received for cytological evaluation from January 2017 to December 2021, of which 2708 (20.1%) were carcinomatous effusions. Out of these, 1044 (38.5%), 1611 (59.5%), and 53 (2.0%) were from pleural, peritoneal and pericardial cavities, respectively. Of these, the majority were adenocarcinoma. ICC was performed in 309 (11.4%) cases. The ovary was the most common primary site in 179 cases (57.9%), followed by the lung (75, 24.3%), pancreaticobiliary system (12, 3.9%), colon/rectum (8, 2.6%), breast (6, 1.9%), prostate (2, 0.6%) and kidney (1, 0.3). The lung was the most common primary site in pleural (67/113, 59.3%) and pericardial (6/8, 75%) effusions. The ovary (168/188, 89.4%) was the most common primary site for carcinomatous effusions in the peritoneal cavity. However, in 17 (5.5%) cases, the exact primary site could not be established. CONCLUSIONS: Judicious and methodical use of ICC on CBs helps to identify the primary site of the tumour in most carcinomatous effusions. This is of immense help to the treating clinician in directing appropriate therapy.

Cytomorphological spectrum of metastatic bone tumors: Experience at a tertiary care center.

Objectives: Bone is a frequent site of metastases and typically indicates a short-term prognosis in cancer patients. The majority of skeletal metastases are due to breast and prostate cancer. Bone metastasis is actually much more common than primary bone cancers, especially in adults. Fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) provides reasonably accurate pre-operative diagnosis in vast majority of cases. This study aims to elicit the cytomorphological detail of various metastatic bone tumors. Material and Methods: A total of 109 cases of tumors metastatic to bone have been included in this study. The details of the cases were available from the archives of the department of cytology. May Grunwald Giemsa and hematoxylin and eosin stained smears were studied and examined for the cytomorphological spectrum. Cell block and immunohistochemistry tests were done, wherever feasible. Results: Among 109 patients, the mean age was 54.52 years. There was male preponderance with 90 males and 19 females. The most common site of metastases was in the vertebra (82 cases), and 76 cases were in the dorsolumbar region. The most common type of tumor metastasizing was adenocarcinoma. Conclusion: FNAC is a very useful, economical procedure. There are characteristic cytological features of the metastatic lesions and the basic diagnostic categorization of the malignant tumors is possible on FNAC. Regarding the primary source clinical history, radiological features of the primary tumor, if any, and immunocytochemistry may be needed.

Cytopathology of the distant metastasis of papillary carcinoma of thyroid.

AIMS: To describe the cytomorphological features at distant metastatic sites apart from lymph nodes in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of eight cytology cases from seven patients reported as metastatic papillary carcinoma of thyroid were reviewed including available clinical and radiological details. The details clinical and cytological features were studied. RESULTS: There were a total of five males and two female patients. Two of these patients presented with lung nodules, two patients had bony lesion and lesion in kidney respectively and one patient had both bony and soft tissue lesions. Pleural fluid and bronchoalveolar lavage were received from remaining two patients. Cytology smears revealed papillary clusters and sheets of tumor cells, having round to oval nuclei with pale powdery chromatin, inconspicuous nucleoli and scant to moderate amount of cytoplasm. Nuclear features such as longitudinal nuclear grooves, intranuclear cytoplasmic inclusions were seen in all but one case. Nuclear enlargement and overlapping were variably present. CONCLUSIONS: The diagnosis of metastatic PTC at uncommon locations is difficult. Since many of these locations are amenable to fine needle aspiration or exfoliative cytology evaluation, clinical awareness, and identification of classic cytomorphologic features can offer quick and accurate diagnoses. In cases with occult or unknown PTC presenting with metastases, cytomorphology may help in the prompt suggestion of detecting primary tumor in the thyroid.

Metastatic germ cell tumour in effusion cytology.

BACKGROUND: Germ cell tumours infrequently metastasise to body cavities, where early detection on fluid samples is possible and can spearhead early treatment and survival. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of seven cases of metastatic germ cell tumours were retrieved out of 7500 effusion samples received for cytopathological examination from 2015 to 2021. Detailed cytological features of metastatic germ cell tumours in effusion samples were studied, along with a correlation between clinical, radiological, and histopathological features. RESULTS: A total of seven cases of metastatic germ cell tumours were analysed in effusion samples which included dysgerminoma (2), immature teratoma (2), yolk sac tumour (1), embryonal carcinoma (1), and mixed germ cell tumour (1). The smears showed predominantly discrete or loose clusters of cells. The cells with round nuclei and prominent nucleoli were helpful in detecting dysgerminoma and yolk sac tumours. Immature teratoma showed tiny groups of small cells and mature squamous cells. Serum tumour markers were raised in the majority of cases. CONCLUSION: Metastatic germ cell tumours in effusion are uncommon, but detailed clinical history, including serum markers and characteristic cytological features, are helpful in their diagnosis.